Nursing assistant — experienced (the holder of a relevant certificate III qualification) pay rate 2026
Minimum rate for Nursing assistant — experienced (the holder of a relevant certificate III qualification) under the Nurses Award (MA000034) from 1 July 2026: $1,119.10 a week full-time, $58,350 a year (weekly × 52.14). Casual: $36.81 an hour, loading included.
Rate table in the pay database: Nursing assistant.
Minimum pay rates
| Employment type | Hourly | Weekly | Annual (× 52.14) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time / part-time | $29.45 | $1,119.10 | $58,350 |
| Casual (loading included) | $36.81 | — | — |
How this rate compares
It ranks 37th of 41 distinct adult hourly rates in the Nurses Award.
The next rate up is Enrolled nurse — pay point 1 at $30.00 an hour, $0.55 (1.9%) higher than this classification.
The next rate down is Nursing assistant — 3rd year and thereafter at $28.54 an hour, $0.91 (3.1%) lower.
It is $3.01 an hour (11.4%) above the national minimum wage of $26.44.
What changed on 1 July 2026
The hourly rate rose $1.33 (4.7%) from $28.12 on 30 June 2026 to $29.45, and the full-time weekly rate rose $50.70.
Penalty rates
| When | Full-time / part-time | Casual |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary hoursMinimum hourly rate | $29.45100% | $36.81125% |
| Saturday | $44.18150% | $55.22187.5% |
| Sunday | $51.54175% | $64.42218.75% |
| Public holiday | $58.90200% | $73.62250% |
| Monday to Friday - Afternoon shift | $33.13112.5% | $40.49137.5% |
| Monday to Friday - Night shift | $33.87115% | $41.23140% |
Resulting hourly rates as published in the Fair Work Commission’s Modern Awards Pay Database. Casual figures include the casual loading. Percentages are of the minimum hourly rate.
A week with weekend shifts
| Hours | Rate | Pay |
|---|---|---|
| 4 weekday hours | $36.81 | $147.24 |
| 8 Saturday hours | $55.22 | $441.76 |
| 8 Sunday hours | $64.42 | $515.36 |
| Total | $1,104.36 |
That week pays $1,104.36, which is $368.16 (50%) more than the same 20 hours worked on weekdays at the casual rate ($736.20). A full-time week of 38 ordinary hours pays $1,119.10.
Overtime rates
| Overtime | Full-time / part-time | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Monday to Saturday - First 2 hours | $44.18 | 150% |
| Monday to Saturday - After 2 hours | $58.90 | 200% |
| Sunday | $58.90 | 200% |
| Public holiday | $73.63 | 250% |
Rates current as of 1 July 2026. FWC pay database, MA000034, checked (how). General information only: your award or enterprise agreement prevails if it differs.